The basic units of the brain spinal cord and nerves that process store transmit information are the?

The basic units of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that process, store, and transmit information are called neurons or nerve cells. Neurons are specialized cells with a unique structure and function that allows them to communicate and form complex neural networks. The human nervous system is made up of billions of neurons that work together to control various bodily functions, process sensory information, and produce thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Neurons consist of three main components:

1. Cell Body (Soma): The cell body is the central part of the neuron where the nucleus and other essential organelles are located. It serves as the metabolic center and integrates the information received from other neurons.

2. Dendrites: Dendrites are short, branched extensions that emerge from the cell body. They receive chemical signals (neurotransmitters) from other neurons and conduct these signals towards the cell body.

3. Axon: The axon is a single, long, cylindrical extension that arises from the cell body. It transmits electrical signals (action potentials) away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. The axon may have multiple branches (collaterals) to communicate with several target cells simultaneously.

When information is transmitted between neurons, it follows a specific sequence:

1. Sensory Reception: Specialized receptors in sensory neurons receive stimuli from the environment (e.g., light, sound, pressure) and convert them into electrical signals.

2. Signal Transmission: The electrical signals travel along the dendrites of sensory neurons towards the cell body.

3. Integration: In the cell body, the signals from multiple dendrites are integrated and processed. If the combined signals reach a certain threshold, an action potential is generated.

4. Action Potential: An action potential is a rapid, self-propagating electrical impulse that travels along the axon away from the cell body.

5. Synaptic Transmission: When the action potential reaches the end of the axon, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from specialized structures called synaptic terminals.

6. Neurotransmitter Binding: Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the dendrites of adjacent neurons.

7. Postsynaptic Response: The binding of neurotransmitters to receptors on the dendrites of postsynaptic neurons can cause either excitation (depolarization) or inhibition (hyperpolarization) of the postsynaptic cell, influencing its firing rate.

This electrochemical communication between neurons allows for the processing of vast amounts of information in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The intricate network formed by neurons enables the complex functions of the nervous system, including perception, cognition, movement, and emotions.